Apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A fluid reservoir system for a vehicle engine, which engine comprises a fluid circulation system, the reservoir system comprising a container for fluid, in which the container comprises at least one fluid inlet port, at least one fluid outlet port and at least one vent port and in which, each of said ports comprises a self-sealing coupling adapted to connect to a corresponding coupling on the vehicle engine to thereby connect said container in fluidic communication with the fluid circulation system of the engine and in which the reservoir system comprises at least one latch which is adapted to retain said container in fluidic communication with said vehicle engine fluid circulation system and is remotely operable to disconnect said container from said vehicle engine fluid circulation system and in which the system comprises at least one actuator which is connected to one or more of said latches and is adapted to operate said one or more latches and said container is elongate; said inlet, outlet and vent ports are located at a common first end of said container; and said at least one actuator is operable at a second end of said container, distal from said ports. Also provided is a method of supplying fluid to a vehicle engine using said fluid reservoir system.

This application is the U.S. National Phase of International ApplicationNo. PCT/EP2013/074203 filed Nov. 19, 2013 which designated the U.S. andclaims priority to European Patent Application No. 12193246.1 filed Nov.19, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This invention relates to an apparatus and method and in particular to afluid reservoir system for a vehicle engine and a method of supplyingfluid to a vehicle engine.

Many vehicle engines use one or more fluids for their operation. Suchfluids are often liquids. For example, internal combustion engines useliquid lubricating oil compositions. Also, electric engines use heatexchange liquids for example to cool the engine, to heat the engine orto cool and heat the engine during different operating conditions. Suchfluids are generally held in reservoirs associated with the engine andmay require periodic replacement.

Conventional periodic replacement of engine lubricating oil compositionin a vehicle engine usually involves draining the composition from theengine sump. The process may also involve removing and replacing theengine oil filter. Such a procedure usually requires access to theengine sump drain plug and oil filter from the underside of the engine,may require the use of hand tools and usually requires a suitablecollection method for the drained lubricating oil composition.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,151,823 relates to a quick-change oil filter/reservoirsystem for an internal combustion engine having a primary oil pump andoil sump comprising a cartridge containing an oil filter element andsupply of oil, said cartridge having non-manipulative and self-sealinginput and out-put fittings; a cartridge mounting for releasably carryingsaid cartridge, said cartridge including input and out-put oil pipescorresponding to and engageable by said input and output fittings,respectively; scavenger pump means for continuously returning oil fromsaid sump to said input oil pipe; and means connecting said output pipeto the input of said primary oil pump. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1of U.S. Pat. No. 4,151,823, and described at col. 3 lines 22 to 30, thecartridge is said to be retained on the mounting plate by conventionalquick release mountings. It is stated that for example, the cartridgemay be provided with a plurality of outward extending tabs which areengaged with spring clips carried on the mounting plate. It is stated atcol. 4 lines 13 to 20 in U.S. Pat. No. 4,151,823 in respect of thisembodiment that the top of the cartridge is provided with a breather capto discharge gases received in the cartridge. It is stated that suchgases are preferably returned to the emission control system of theengine through a breather hose. It is also stated that the breather capmay include a downwardly depending dip stick which may be employed tomeasure the oil level in the cartridge and thus the oil level of theengine.

The tabs and spring clips shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat.No. 4,151,823 are on the end of the cartridge bearing the inlet andoutlet ports and so are in a position remote from the top of the engine.Thus, these may be difficult to access. Furthermore, such spring clipsmight require a tool to disengage them. Such clips might also require ameans for holding the clips out of engagement when the cartridge isbeing removed. It might be difficult to access the clips to manuallyhold them in a disengaged position when removing the cartridge. Thebreather cap in this embodiment is shown with a pipe which would need tobe separately connected to and disconnected from the cap. This requiresan additional step in the process of removing and replacing thecartridge.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,354 relates to a combined oil filter/reservoircartridge for an internal combustion engine mounted outboard of theengine for easy access. The device includes an oil filter and hassufficient capacity to hold all of the engine oil. An auxiliary pump isincluded to pump fresh oil from a new device into the engine and to pumpthe old oil into the reservoir. The device can then be demounted and thecontents and cartridge recycled. It is stated that the inlet and outletports of the cartridge connect to the oil distribution system by quickdisconnect members so that the cartridge can be easily disconnected fromthe system. According to the illustrated example, inlet hose 12 attachesto the cartridge 10, preferably near the centre of the top surface ofcartridge 10, with quick connect inlet adapter 14 (col. 3 lines 47 to49). Also according to the illustrated example, outlet pipe 28 extendsinto reservoir 24 and connects to cartridge 10 at the top of thecartridge in conjunction with outlet hose 32. Outlet hose 32 is said toconnect to cartridge 10 using quick connect outlet adapter 30 (col. 3lines 58 to 62).

U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,936 relates to a removable oil tank and oil filterfor four cycle dry sump internal combustion engines having particularutility in marine engines. Claim 4 of this patent states:

In a dry setup internal combustion engine having an engine block,piston, crank shaft, crankcase, crank case cover, and a lubricating oilsystem comprising an oil pump and an oil scavenging pump, an improvementcomprising an oil reservoir which may be disconnected and removed fromthe engine comprising:

an oil tank separate from the engine;

a first oil line interconnecting the oil scavenging pump and the oiltank;

-   -   a second oil line interconnecting the oil pump and the tank;    -   a vent line interconnecting the tank and the crank case;        fluid quick disconnect means for interconnecting each of the        first and second oil lines and the vent line and the oil tank,        wherein each of the quick disconnect means closes upon        disconnect so that the oil will not leak from the oil tank when        the oil and vent lines are disconnected and the tank is removed        from the engine; and        means for supporting the bottom of the tank when attached to the        engine comprising a horizontal bracket and means for attaching        the bracket to one of the crank case cover and the engine block        and wherein quick disconnect means for the first and second oil        lines and vent lines comprise female fittings extending through        the bottom of the tank, and male fittings extending through the        support bracket, so that the oil and vent lines all connect to        the bottom of the tank.

In the illustrated example, the connectors are shown at the base of theoil tank which might present problems of accessibility.

WO 01/53663 relates to a removable and disposable oil cartridge devicelinked to an internal combustion engine regulating interface formanually filling or emptying and automatically regulating the enginelubricating oil, wherein the interface comprises a system of controlledvalves in which the controlled valve system provides a configuration ofspecific circuits for each of the requirements for the proper running ofthe engine (lack of oil, stable running conditions, oil overflow) andthe proper filling or emptying when the cartridge is manually changed.

According to this document at page 29, it is said to be possible tocompletely drain the engine by replacing the cartridge as follows: Theengine is stopped and also the pump. Starting to withdraw the cartridgeincreases its volume and aspirates the oil from the casing into thecartridge. The detector detects a fall in the oil level in the casingand acts normally on the interface/regulator to put the system intofilling mode and open the two valves and Y. However the pump does notfunction (the motor is stopped). Continued traction effort on part 4 aof the cartridge continues aspiration which occurs through two pipes H1and H2. When in the expanded state, the volume of the cartridge iscalculated so that its aspirated volume is at least equal to the totalvolume of the engine oil, including any residual oil in the interfaceregulator. When the traction effort and sliding motion is completed,draining is thus complete; no waste oil remains in the driving circuitand the interface/oil supply/pipe. The cartridge is then withdrawn fromits support which disconnects the pipes H1 and H2, the whole of theparts being adapted so that no volume of oil can escape from thecartridge at this time. This stage is said not to be illustrated.

According to WO 2001/53663 by reference to FIG. 26 it is stated at page30 that: A new cartridge full of oil is in the expanded state. Onepositions the new cartridge without support on the fixing support (50 a)and as soon as one then starts to press on the cartridge one engagesthis in guidance in the locking devices (50 a) and possibly in otherlatching, snapping etc. systems, not represented and which are allegedto be within the range of the expert, which perforates simultaneouslythe seal-tight cap of the initially-sealed full cartridge, it is statedin WO 01/53663 that the cover can be elaborated in a known adequatematerial. It is also stated that in a preferred but non-restrictiveembodiment of the device, the upper part of the pipes H1 and H2 are cutin a bevel to facilitate the introduction of the cartridge.

WO 2001/53663 does not describe how the pipes H1 and H2 aredisconnected.

There remains a need for a fluid reservoir system for a vehicle enginewhich overcomes or at least mitigates these or other problems.

Thus, according to the present invention there is provided a fluidreservoir system for a vehicle engine, which engine comprises a fluidcirculation system, the reservoir system comprising a container forfluid, in which the container comprises at least one fluid inlet port,at least one fluid outlet port and at least one vent port and in which,each of said ports comprises a self-sealing coupling adapted to connectto a corresponding coupling on the vehicle engine to thereby connectsaid container in fluidic communication with the fluid circulationsystem of the engine and in which the reservoir system comprises atleast one latch which is adapted to retain said container in fluidiccommunication with said vehicle engine fluid circulation system and isremotely operable to disconnect said container from said vehicle enginefluid circulation system and in which the system comprises at least oneactuator which is connected to one or more of said latches and isadapted to operate said one or more latches and said container iselongate; said inlet, outlet and vent ports are located at a commonfirst end of said container; and said at least one actuator is operableat a second end of said container, distal from said ports.

The present invention can therefore at least mitigate problemsidentified by providing a fluid reservoir system which comprises atleast one latch which is adapted to retain the container in fluidiccommunication with the vehicle engine fluid circulation system and whichis remotely operable to disconnect the container from the vehicle enginefluid circulation system and in which the system comprises at least oneactuator which is connected to one or more of said latches and isadapted to operate said one or more latches and said container iselongate; said inlet, outlet and vent ports are located at a commonfirst end of said container; and said at least one actuator is operableat a second end of said container, distal from said ports.

The latch may be separate from the self-sealing couplings. Thus, the atleast one latch may be separate from said self-sealing couplings; biasedto a locking position to thereby retain the container in fluidiccommunication with the vehicle engine fluid circulation system andremotely operable to disconnect the container from the vehicle enginefluid circulation system.

The self-sealing couplings may comprise at least one of the latches.Thus, one or more of the self-sealing couplings may comprise at leastone of the latches which is biased to a locking position to therebyretain the container in fluidic communication with the vehicle enginefluid circulation system and is remotely operable to disconnect thecontainer from the vehicle engine fluid circulation system, in addition,the system may further comprise at least one further latch which isseparate from the self-sealing couplings. Thus, in this embodiment, thesystem may further comprise at least one further latch which is separatefrom the self-sealing couplings; is biased to a locking position tothereby retain the container in fluidic communication with the vehicleengine fluid circulation system and is remotely operable to disconnectthe container from said vehicle engine fluid circulation system

Each latch is adapted to retain the container in fluidic communicationwith the vehicle engine fluid circulation system and is remotelyoperable to disconnect the container from the vehicle engine fluidcirculation system.

In general, self-sealing couplings have the characteristic that when thecoupling is being connected, a seal is made between the connecting portsbefore valve or valves open to allow fluid to flow. On disconnection,the valve or valves close to seal off each of the ports before thecoupling seal between the ports is broken.

The self-sealing couplings of the system may provide a “dry break” inwhich no fluid flows on connection or disconnection of the coupling.Alternatively, the self-sealing couplings of the system may provide a“damp break” in which there is flow of only a non-essential amount offluid, for example a few drips of liquid, on disconnection or connectionof the coupling.

Suitable self-sealing couplings of the system include rallye raid SPT12couplings available from Stäubli. Other suitable types of self-sealingcoupling are described in US 2005/0161628, US2008/0265574 andUS2008/0088127.

Each of the self-sealing couplings may comprise a latch which is biasedto a locking position to thereby retain the container in fluidiccommunication with the vehicle engine fluid circulation system and whichis remotely operable to disconnect the container from the vehicle enginefluid circulation system. The latches are biased to a locking position.This has an advantage that when the system is positioned to connect itto the engine, the latches engage the corresponding ports on the engineand retain the container in fluidic communication with the fluidcirculation system of the engine.

The self-sealing couplings may also retain the container on the vehicle.The self-sealing couplings may also retain the container on the engine.The self-sealing couplings may also retain the container on a manifoldwhich is in fluidic communication with the fluid circulation system ofthe engine.

The system further comprises at least one actuator which is connected toone or more of the latches and is adapted to operate the one or morelatches.

The container is elongate with the inlet, outlet and vent ports beinglocated at a common first end of the container and the at least oneactuator being operable at a second end of the container, distal fromsaid ports.

The at least one actuator may comprise an elongate actuator member whichcomprises first and second ends and extends between the first and secondends of the container; and one or more of the latches comprises a collarwhich is operably connected to the first end of the elongate actuatormember by a transverse actuator member. The system may comprise a singleelongate actuator member extending between the first and second ends ofthe container; all of the latches comprising a collar; and all of thecollars being operably connected to the first end of the elongateactuator member by a transverse actuator member.

The actuator may comprise a lever for operating the actuator. Suitably,the system may comprise a handle for carrying the system and the levermay be pivotably or slideably mounted on the handle. This may have anadvantage that the container may be disconnected from the engine fluidcirculation system and the system lifted out of the vehicle with onehand of an operator; the replacement system also being positioned andre-connected by an operator using one hand.

The actuator may comprise a first handle which may suitably be locatedadjacent a second handle for carrying the system, such that an operatormay hold both handles and urge them together thereby actuating theactuator. This may have an advantage that the container may bedisconnected from the engine fluid circulation system and the systemlifted out of the vehicle with one hand of an operator; the replacementsystem also being positioned and re-connected by an operator using onehand.

The actuator may comprise at least one electromagnetic member adapted tooperate at least one of the latches. The actuator may comprise at leastone electromagnetic member adapted to operate all of the latches.Suitable electromagnetic members may comprise a solenoid which comprisesa central core which is a push or pull rod which may be magneticallyactuated.

Interlocks may be provided to prevent the engine from operating if thecontainer is disconnected from the engine fluid circulation systemand/or to prevent the container being disconnected from the engine ifthe engine is operating.

At least one of the ports may comprise a non-return valve. Suitably, theat least one outlet port comprises a non-return valve. If the containercomprises more than one outlet port, suitably each outlet port comprisesa non-return valve. The non-return valve in the outlet may prevent fluidfrom draining back to the container when the engine is not operating andmay help keep a fluid line to a circulating pump full of fluid so thatcirculation of fluid is immediate when operation of the engine isstarted. The fluid inlet port or ports may each comprise, a controlvalve or shut-off valve which may be closed when the vehicle engine isnot operating, for example to prevent or reduce fluid draining from thecontainer to the engine.

The vent port or vent ports may not contain any valves because fluid,for example gas and/or vapour, may be required to flow both to and fromthe container through the vent port or vent ports when the container isconnected to the vehicle engine fluid circulation system.

Suitably, the corresponding ports on the vehicle engine are self-sealingports. This has an advantage that when the container has beendisconnected from the engine, the risk of ingress of contaminants intothe engine may be mitigated.

The container may comprise a filter for filtering the fluid. This issuitable when the fluid is an engine lubricating oil composition.

Suitable filters may comprise paper and/or metal filter elements. Thefilter may be suitable for filtering particles in the range 1 to 100microns, suitably in the range 2 to 50 microns, for example in the range3 to 20 microns. The filter may comprise a filter by pass for fluid tobypass the filter, for example if the filter becomes blocked orunacceptably loaded with material, which may cause an unacceptable fluidback-pressure through the filter. An advantage of having a filter in thecontainer is that this may allow a larger filter to be used than if thefilter were in a separate container associated with the engine fluidcirculation system. This may have one or more of the following benefits:(a) increased filtration efficiency; (b) finer filtration and (c)increased filter lifetime.

Suitably, in use, fluid enters the container through the inlet port andis passed to the top of the container, for example through at least oneconduit in the container; some or all of the fluid is passed through afilter on exiting said conduit; and the totally or partially filteredfluid is withdrawn from the base of the container through the outletport

The filter may operate at elevate pressure.

The container may be manufactured from metal and/or plastics material.Suitable materials include reinforced thermoplastics material which forexample, may be suitable for operation at temperatures of up to 150° C.,for extended periods of time.

The container may comprise at least one trade mark, logo, productinformation, advertising information, other distinguishing feature orcombination thereof. The container may be printed and/or labelled withat least one trade mark, logo, product information, advertisinginformation, other distinguishing feature or combination thereof. Thismay have an advantage of deterring counterfeiting. The container may beof a single colour or multi-coloured. The trademark, logo or otherdistinguishing feature may of the same colour and/or material as therest of the container or a different colour and/or material as the restof the container.

The container may be a container for a fluid which is a liquid. Suitableliquids include engine lubricating oil composition and heat exchangefluid for an electric engine.

The container may be a container for engine lubricating oil composition.Thus, the container may contain engine lubricating oil composition, inthis embodiment, the system may be provided as a self-contained systemcontaining fresh, refreshed or unused lubricating oil composition whichmay conveniently replace a container on an engine containing used orspent lubricating oil composition. If the container also comprises afilter, this also is replaced together with the spent or usedlubricating oil composition. Thus, a fluid reservoir system containingspent or used lubricating oil composition retained in fluidiccommunication with a vehicle engine fluid circulation system may bedisconnected from the vehicle engine fluid circulation system byremotely operating the self-sealing couplings for the inlet, outlet andvent ports. The system may be removed from the vehicle and replaced by asystem containing fresh, refreshed or unused lubricating oil compositionand if present a fresh, renewed or new filter.

The engine lubricating oil composition may comprise of at least one basestock and at least one engine lubricating oil additive. Suitable basestocks include bio-derived base stocks, mineral oil derived base stocks,synthetic base stocks and semi synthetic base stocks. Suitable enginelubricating oil additives are known in the art. The additives may beorganic and/or inorganic compounds. Typically, the engine lubricatingoil composition may comprise about 60 to 90% by weight in total of basestocks and about 40 to 10% by weight additives. The engine lubricatingoil composition may be a lubricating oil composition for an internalcombustion engine. The engine lubricating oil composition may be amono-viscosity grade or a multi-viscosity grade engine lubricating oilcomposition. The engine lubricating oil composition may be a singlepurpose lubricating oil composition or a multi-purpose lubricating oilcomposition.

The engine lubricating oil composition may be a lubricating oilcomposition for an internal combustion engine. The engine lubricatingoil composition may be a lubricating oil composition for a sparkignition internal combustion engine. The engine lubricating oilcomposition may be a lubricating oil composition for a compressioninternal combustion engine.

The container may be a container for heat exchange fluid for an electricengine. Thus, the container may contain heat exchange fluid for anelectric engine. In this embodiment, the system may be provided as aself-contained system containing fresh, refreshed or unused heatexchange fluid for an electric engine which may conveniently replace asystem on an engine containing used or spent heat exchange fluid. If thecontainer also comprises a filter, this also is replaced together withthe spent or used heat exchange fluid.

Electric engines may require heat exchange fluid to heat the engineand/or cool the engine. This may depend upon the operating cycle of theengine. Electric engines may also require a reservoir of heat exchangefluid. The fluid reservoir system may provide a heat storage system inwhich heat exchange fluid may he stored for use to heat the electricengine when required. The fluid reservoir system may provide a systemfor storage of coolant at a temperature below the operating temperatureof the engine for use to cool the electric engine when required.

Suitable heat exchange fluids for electric engines may be aqueous ornon-aqueous fluids. Suitable heat exchange fluids for electric enginesmay comprise organic and/or non-organic performance boosting additives.Suitable heat exchange fluids may be man-made or bio-derived, forexample Betaine. The heat exchange fluids may have fire retardingcharacteristics and/or hydraulic characteristics. Suitable heat exchangefluids include phase change fluids. Suitable heat exchange fluidsinclude molten metals or salts. Suitable heat exchange fluids includenanofluids. Nanofluids comprise nanoparticles suspended in a base fluid,which may be solid, liquid or gas. Suitable heat exchange fluids includegases and liquids. Suitable heat exchange fluids include liquefiedgases.

The container may be suitable for operating at temperatures of fromambient temperature up to 200° C., suitably from −20° C. to 180° C., forexample from −10° C. to 150° C.

The container may be suitable for operating at pressures up to 15 barg,suitably from −0.5 barg to 10 barg, for example from 0 barg to 8 barg.

Suitable vehicles include motorcycles, earthmoving vehicles, miningvehicles, heavy duty vehicles and passenger cars.

The fluid reservoir system is advantageous where rapid replacement ofthe fluid is required or advantageous, for example in “off-road” and or“in field” services.

According to a further embodiment there is provided a fluid reservoirsystem as herein described in communication with the fluid circulationsystem of a vehicle engine. The vehicle engine may be an internalcombustion engine. Suitable internal combustion engines include sparkignition internal combustion engines and compression ignition internalcombustion engines. The vehicle engine may be an electric engine.

The corresponding ports on the vehicle engine may be self-sealing ports.

According to a farther embodiment, there is provided a method ofsupplying fluid to a vehicle engine comprising a fluid circulationsystem, which method comprises connecting to said fluid circulationsystem, a fluid reservoir system as herein described, in which thecontainer contains fluid as herein described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only by referenceto the following drawings in which

FIG. 1 represents in schematic part cross-section, the system of thepresent invention with a container disconnected from couplings on avehicle engine and

FIG. 2 represents in schematic cross-section, a self-sealing couplingcomprising a latch which is suitable for use in the present invention.Common features are identified by common reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1 a fluid reservoir system for a vehicle engine (50) whichengine comprises a fluid circulation system (1), the fluid reservoirsystem comprising a container (2) for fluid (3). The fluid may be anengine lubricating oil composition or an engine heat exchange fluid.Suitably, in some embodiments, the fluid (3) is an engine lubricatingoil composition. The container may comprise a filter shown in part inFIG. 1 as (9). The container (2) is elongate and comprises a first end(10) and a second end (11).

The container (2) comprises at the first end (10), at least one fluidoutlet port (4), at least one fluid inlet port (5) and at least one ventport (6) in which, each of said ports comprises self-sealing couplings(7) adapted to connect to corresponding couplings (8) on the vehicleengine to thereby connect said container (2) in fluidic communicationwith, the engine fluid circulation system (1).

Each of said self-sealing couplings (7) comprises a latch (13) which isbiased to a locking position to thereby retain said container (2) influidic communication with said vehicle engine fluid circulation system(1). Each of said self-sealing couplings is remotely operable todisconnect said container from said vehicle engine circulation system(1). Thus, the system comprises an actuator (44) which is connected tosaid latches (13) and is adapted to operate said latches. The actuator(44) comprises an elongate actuator member (12) comprising a first end(16) and a second end (45) and extending between the first end (10) andthe second end (11) of the container (2). Each latch comprises a collar(15) associated with each of said latches biased in a locking positionand connected to the common first end (16) of the elongate actuatormember (12) of the actuator (44) by a transverse actuator member (14).

The actuator (44) is operable by a handle (17) at the second end (45) ofthe elongate actuator member (12) distal from the ports (4) (5) (6).Thus movement of the elongate actuator member (12) of the actuator (44)by pulling on the handle (17) in the direction shown generally as A,causes the elongate actuator member of the actuator to act through thetransverse actuator member (14) on each of the latch collars (15)thereby to operate each of said latches and disconnect the containerfrom the engine fluid circulation system (1). The reservoir system maythen be removed away from the engine in the direction shown generally as(B). The container may comprise a second handle (18) adjacent the handle(17) such that an operator may hold both handles and urge them togetherthereby actuating the actuator. Alternatively, the handle (17) may bepivotally or slideably mounted on the second handle (18) as a lever foroperating the actuator.

After the disconnected system has been removed from the engine andvehicle, another container which may contain fresh, refreshed or unusedfluid may be reconnected to the couplings. Thus, pressing thisreplacement system in the opposite direction to the direction ofdisconnection causes the self-sealing couplings to engage and retain thecontainer on the engine.

In use, the container is retained in fluidic communication with thevehicle engine fluid recirculation system by the self-sealing couplings.The couplings comprise latches which are remotely operable so that thecontainer may be disconnected from the engine. In this embodiment,operating of the actuator by using the handle (17) enables the latchesto be operated remotely and the container to be disconnected from thevehicle engine fluid recirculation system. This may have an advantagethat the container may be disconnected from the engine fluidrecirculation system and the reservoir system lifted out of the vehiclewith one hand of an operator; the replacement system may also bepositioned and re-connected by an operator using one hand.

FIG. 2 shows in schematic longitudinal cross-section a self-scalingcoupling comprising a latch suitable for use in a system of the presentinvention.

The coupling comprises a male element (21) and a female element (22).The female element may be part of a port, for example an inlet port (4)(as shown) or alternatively an outlet port (5) (not shown) or a ventport (6) (not shown) on a container (2). The coupling comprises aremotely operable latch (13) comprising a collar (15) biased in alocking position as shown. The collar (15) is connected to a first end(16) of an elongate actuator member (12) of an actuator (44) by atransverse actuator member (14).

Collars of other couplings (not shown) may also be connected to thetransverse member (14).

The latch (13) is biased to a locking position by action of a spring(23) acting against a face (24) on the collar (15) and against a face(25) on the port (4) (which may alternatively be port (5) or port (6)).

The collar has a surface (26) which exerts a radial force in thedirection F on balls 27) when in the biased locking position.

The coupling comprises a self-sealing valve (28) which is biased to adosed position when the male and female elements are disconnected, asshown in FIG. 2. The valve comprises an axially moveable element (29)which is biased to a closed position by the action of a spring (30)acting against a face (31) on the port (4) (which may alternatively beport (5) or port (6)) and a face (32) on the axially moveable element(29). When in the closed position, a valve face (33) of the axiallymoveable element (29) bears against a valve seat (34) of the port (4) toseal the passage (35) to prevent fluid flow through the valve. One oreither or both of the valve face and valve seat may comprise a seal(36).

The male element (21) is in fluidic communication with the vehicleengine fluid circulation system (1) of the engine (50) and comprises asealing element (37), for example an ‘O’ ring. The male elementcomprises an indent (38) which may be in the form of an external groovefor receiving the balls (27) when engaged with the female member (22).

As the mate element is inserted into the female element, the sealingelement (37) engages the circumferential face (39) of the axiallymoveable valve element (29). This sealably engages the male and femaleelements before the valve allows any fluid to flow.

As the male element is inserted further into the female element an end(40) of the male element engages a flange (41) (suitably,circumferential) on the axially moveable valve element and furtherinsertion of the male element causes the male element acting through themale element end (40) and the flange (41) to displace the axiallymoveable valve element (29) against the action of the biasing spring(30) and displace the valve face (33) from the valve seat (34) allowingfluid to flow through the passage (35) and through the duct (42) in theaxially moveable valve element (29).

Thus, the self-sealing valve has the characteristic that when thecoupling is being connected, a seal is made between the connecting portsbefore any valves open to allow fluid to flow.

As the male element (21) is inserted still further into the femaleelement, the male member acts upon the balls (27) in the oppositedirection to F until it is sufficiently positioned inside the femaleelement for the balls (27) to engage the indent (38). This latches themale and female members together and retains the container in fluidiccommunication with the vehicle engine fluid recirculation systems (1) ofthe engine (50). Positioning of the male and female members may beassisted by flange (43) on the male member.

In use to disconnect the male and female member the elongate actuatormember (12) is operated in the direction A and, through the transverseactuator member (14), axially displaces the collar (15) of the latch(13) away from the male member (21). This axially displaces the surface(26) so that it no longer acts to urge the balls (27) in the radialdirection F. The balls are free to move out of the indent (38) of themale member and thereby unlatch the male member. The system can now beremoved and the container disconnected from the vehicle engine fluidrecirculation system. Thus, displacement of the female element (22) inthe direction A disengages the balls (27) from the recess (38). Furtherdisplacement of the female element (22) in the direction A allows theaxially moveable valve member (29) under the action of the spring (30)to be displaced and urge the valve face (33) against the face seat (34)thereby preventing flow of fluid through the passage (35) and duct (42).This seals the valve before the male and female elements aredisconnected and in particular, before the seal (37) of the male member(21) disengages the circumferential surface (39) of the axially moveablevalve member (29).

The system may then be removed from the vehicle (not shown).

After the disconnected reservoir system has been removed from the engineand vehicle, another reservoir system comprising a container which maycontain fresh, refreshed or unused fluid may be reconnected to thecouplings. Thus, pressing this replacement system in the oppositedirection to the direction of disconnection causes the self-sealingcouplings to engage and retain the container in fluidic communicationwith the vehicle engine fluid recirculation system.

While aspects of the invention have been described in relation tovehicle engines and examples of the invention described the use ofengine lubricating oil compositions, it is envisaged that features ofthe invention could find other applications.

For example, a fluid reservoir system according to an aspect of theinvention could be used in relation to a wide range of apparatus orequipment. For example, the fluid reservoir system could findapplication in relation to various static and movable machines, forexample industrial machines such as a lathe, or manufacture and assemblyequipment, to an engine, or to a vehicle.

Examples of a fluid reservoir of an aspect of the invention could thusbe used to supply lubricant composition to a region of the apparatus orequipment, for example to a region including one or more moving parts,for example a gearbox. In an example of an aspect of the invention thereis provided a fluid reservoir for a wind turbine, for example to providelubricating composition to one or more parts of the wind turbineapparatus.

The reservoir may supply a lubricant composition to the apparatus, ormay supply fluid other than lubricant to the apparatus. For example, thefluid may comprise a fuel composition, for example gasoline or dieselThe reservoir of an aspect of the invention may be for supply the fluidfor example to the fuel supply system of the apparatus. For example, thereservoir may supply fuel to a vehicle, or tool, for example to a car,motorcycle or lawn mower.

In another example, the reservoir is used to supply a fluid, for examplelubricant and/or fuel, to a hand tool, for example a hedge trimmer orleaf blower.

The fluid may comprise for example an aqueous or other solvent-basedcomposition, for example a cleaning composition. The fluid may forexample comprise windscreen wash fluid. A reservoir of an example of anaspect of the invention may be for supplying fluid to the windscreenwasher fluid delivery system for example of a vehicle.

Thus in some examples of aspects of the invention the fluid system mayor may not comprise a fluid circulation system.

An aspect of the invention provides a fluid reservoir system for anapparatus. Which apparatus comprises a fluid system, the reservoirsystem comprising a container for fluid, in which the containercomprises at least one fluid port, and in which, said port comprises aself-sealing coupling adapted to connect to a corresponding coupling onthe apparatus to thereby connect said container in fluidic communicationwith the fluid system of the apparatus and in which the reservoir systemcomprises at least one latch which is adapted to retain said containerin fluidic communication with said apparatus fluid system and isremotely operable to disconnect said container from said apparatus fluidsystem and in which the system comprises at least one actuator which isconnected to one or more of said latches and is adapted to operate saidone or more latches and said container is elongate; said port is locatedat a first end of said container; and said at least one actuator isoperable at a second end of said container distal from said port.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fluid reservoir system for a vehicleengine, which the engine comprises a fluid circulation system, thereservoir system comprising a container for fluid, in which thecontainer comprises at least one fluid inlet port, at least one fluidoutlet port and at least one vent port and in which, each of said portscomprises a self-sealing coupling that connects to a correspondingcoupling on the vehicle engine to thereby connect said container influidic communication with the fluid circulation system of the engineand in which the reservoir system comprises one or more latches thatretains said container in fluidic communication with said vehicle enginefluid circulation system and is remotely operable to disconnect saidcontainer from said vehicle engine fluid circulation system and in whichthe reservoir system comprises at least one actuator which is connectedto said one or more latches and that operates said one or more latches;said container is elongate; said inlet, outlet and vent ports arelocated at a common first end of said container; and said at least oneactuator is operable at a second end of said container, distal from saidports.
 2. A fluid reservoir system as claimed in claim 1 in which saidone or more latches is separate from said self-sealing couplings; isbiased to a locking position to thereby retain said container in fluidiccommunication with said vehicle engine fluid circulation system and isremotely operable to disconnect said container from said vehicle enginefluid circulation system.
 3. A fluid reservoir system as claimed inclaim 1 in which said self-sealing couplings comprise at least one latchof said one or more latches which is biased to a locking position tothereby retain said container in fluidic communication with said vehicleengine fluid circulation system and is remotely operable to disconnectsaid container from said vehicle engine fluid circulation system.
 4. Afluid reservoir system as claimed in claim 3 which further comprises atleast one further latch which is separate from said self-sealingcouplings; is biased to a locking position to thereby retain saidcontainer in fluidic communication with said vehicle engine fluidcirculating system and is remotely operable to disconnect said containerfrom said vehicle engine fluid circulation system.
 5. A fluid reservoirsystem as claimed in claim 1 in which said at least one actuatorcomprises an elongate actuator member which comprises first and secondends and extends between said first and second ends of said container;and said one or more latches comprises a collar which is operablyconnected to said first end of said elongate actuator member by atransverse actuator member.
 6. A fluid reservoir system as claimed inclaim 5 in which said at least one actuator comprises a single elongateactuator member extending from said first end of said container to saidsecond end of said container; all of said one or more latches comprise acollar; and all of said collars are operably connected to said first endof said single elongate actuator member by a transverse actuator member.7. A fluid reservoir system as claimed in claim 5 in which said actuatorcomprises a lever for operating said actuator, where the reservoirsystem comprises a handle for carrying the system and the lever ispivotably or slideably mounted on the handle.
 8. A fluid reservoirsystem as claimed in claim 1 in which said actuator comprises at leastone electromagnetic member that operates at least one latch of said oneor more latches.
 9. A fluid reservoir system as claimed in claim 1 inwhich said container comprises a filter for filtering fluid.
 10. A fluidreservoir system as claimed in claim 1 in which at least one of saidports comprises a non-return valve.
 11. A fluid reservoir system asclaimed in claim 10 in which said at least one fluid outlet portcomprises a non-return valve.
 12. A fluid reservoir system as claimed inclaim 1 in which said container contains engine lubricating oilcomposition.
 13. A fluid reservoir system as claimed in claim 12 inwhich said engine lubricating oil composition is a lubricating oilcomposition for an internal combustion engine.
 14. A fluid reservoirsystem as claimed in claim 12 in which the engine lubricating oilcomposition is a lubricating oil composition for an electric engine. 15.A fluid reservoir system as claimed in claim 1 in which said containercontains a heat exchange fluid for an electric engine.
 16. A fluidreservoir system as claimed in claim 1 when said container is in fluidiccommunication with the fluid circulation system of a vehicle engine. 17.A fluid reservoir system as claimed in claim 16 in which saidcorresponding ports on said vehicle engine are self-sealing ports.
 18. Amethod of supplying fluid to a vehicle engine comprising a fluidcirculation system, which method comprises connecting to said fluidcirculation system, a fluid reservoir system as claimed in claim
 12. 19.A fluid reservoir system for an apparatus, which the apparatus comprisesa fluid system, the reservoir system comprising a container for fluid,in which the container comprises at least one fluid port, and in which,said at least one port comprises a self-sealing coupling that connectsto a corresponding coupling on the apparatus to thereby connect saidcontainer in fluidic communication with the fluid system of theapparatus and in which the reservoir system comprises one or morelatches that retains said container in fluidic communication with saidapparatus fluid system and is remotely operable to disconnect saidcontainer from said apparatus fluid system and in which the reservoirsystem comprises at least one actuator which is connected to said one ormore latches and that operates said one or more latches; said containeris elongate; said at least one port is located at a first end of saidcontainer; and said at least one actuator is operable at a second end ofsaid container distal from said at least one port.
 20. A fluid reservoirsystem as claimed in claim 6 in which movement of said at least oneactuator in a direction perpendicular to said second end of saidcontainer causes said single elongate member to act through saidtransverse actuator member on each of said one or more latches therebyoperating each of said one or more latches and disconnecting saidcontainer from said fluid circulation system.
 21. A fluid reservoirsystem for an apparatus, which the apparatus comprises a fluidcirculation system, the reservoir system comprising a container forfluid, in which the container comprises at least one fluid inlet port,at least one fluid outlet port and at least one vent port and in which,each of said ports comprises a self-sealing coupling that connects to acorresponding coupling on the vehicle engine to thereby connect saidcontainer in fluidic communication with the fluid circulation system ofthe engine and in which the reservoir system comprises one or morelatches that retains said container in fluidic communication with saidvehicle engine fluid circulation system and is remotely operable todisconnect said container from said vehicle engine fluid circulationsystem and in which the reservoir system comprises at least one actuatorwhich is connected to said one or more latches and that operates saidone or more latches; said container is elongate; said inlet, outlet andvent ports are located at a common first end of said container andextend from said first end of said container in a respective direction;said at least one actuator is operable at a second end of saidcontainer, distal from said ports; and said at least one actuatorextends from said second end of said container to said first end of saidcontainer in a second direction that is parallel to the respectivedirections of said inlet, outlet, and vent ports.